Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
6 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Spring
Spring is a great time to give your home a little reset—and your energy use deserves a spot on the list.
Some energy-efficient improvements cost almost nothing, while others require a bigger investment. Either way, the goal is the same: use less energy, make your home more comfortable and potentially lower your utility costs.
If you’re wondering where to start, here are six practical projects to consider.
1. Start With a Home Energy Assessment
Before spending money on upgrades, figure out where your home may be wasting energy.
A home energy assessment can help identify issues such as air leaks, inadequate insulation and inefficient heating or cooling equipment.
You can start with a simple DIY walkthrough or hire a professional energy auditor for a more detailed evaluation.
The U.S. Department of Energy provides a helpful guide for homeowners who want to conduct their own assessment:
DOE DIY Home Energy Assessment Guide
Your utility provider may also offer energy assessments, rebates or efficiency programs, so it’s worth checking what’s currently available in your area.
2. Give Your HVAC System Some Attention
Your heating and cooling system works hard throughout the year, and spring is a good time to make sure it’s ready for warmer weather.
Start with the basics: check the filter, clear debris from around outdoor equipment and make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture.
Depending on your system, professional maintenance may also help identify problems before you’re asking the air conditioner to work overtime on a hot San Jose afternoon.
And yes, changing that filter you’ve been meaning to change counts.
3. Look for Energy-Efficient Appliances and Technology
If an appliance already needs replacing, energy efficiency is worth including in your comparison.
ENERGY STAR provides efficiency information for appliances, heating and cooling equipment, water heaters, windows and other household products.
A programmable or smart thermostat can also help manage heating and cooling based on your schedule rather than keeping your home at the same temperature around the clock.
The important part is not replacing perfectly functional appliances simply for the sake of upgrading. Energy efficiency should be considered alongside the purchase price, expected lifespan and your actual household needs.
4. Check Windows and Doors for Air Leaks
Small gaps around windows and doors can allow conditioned air to escape.
Walk around your home and check weatherstripping, exterior doors, window frames and other potential sources of air leakage.
Depending on what you find, weatherstripping or caulk can be a relatively inexpensive improvement.
The Department of Energy has additional information about identifying and addressing air leaks:
DOE Guide to Air Sealing Your Home
For larger problems or older windows, get professional advice before assuming complete window replacement is necessary. Sometimes the less expensive solution is enough.
5. Take Advantage of Natural Light
Longer spring days give you a free source of light.
Open blinds and curtains when appropriate and use natural daylight instead of turning on lights throughout the house.
For homeowners considering a larger investment, solar may also be worth researching—but this is one area where I’d definitely run the numbers first.
The cost and benefit of solar can vary based on the property, electricity usage, roof condition, financing structure, available incentives and utility rules. Don’t assume solar automatically makes financial sense for every house.
6. Start Composting
Energy efficiency isn’t the only way to make your household more sustainable.
Composting can keep food scraps and other organic materials out of the waste stream while producing material that can be used to improve soil.
The Environmental Protection Agency offers guidance on what can be composted and how to get started:
For San Jose homeowners, it’s also worth checking the city’s current waste and organics programs before setting up your own system.
Energy Efficiency When You’re Preparing to Sell
If you’re thinking about selling your home, there’s another question to consider:
Which energy-efficient improvements are actually worth making before you list?
Not every upgrade will produce a dollar-for-dollar return at resale.
Before investing thousands of dollars in new windows, solar, HVAC equipment or appliances specifically because you’re planning to sell, look at the condition of your existing systems and how your home compares with competing properties.
Smaller improvements—maintenance, weatherproofing, lighting and addressing obvious deferred repairs—may sometimes make more sense than undertaking an expensive project right before selling.
If you’re preparing to sell a home in San Jose, Willow Glen, Cambrian or Almaden, I can help you look at your property through a buyer’s eyes and prioritize the improvements that make sense before going on the market.
Michelle Elliott
Coldwell Banker Realty
408-839-7915
DRE #01777533
Energy savings and potential costs vary by home, equipment, utility provider and household usage. Check current utility programs, incentives and professional recommendations before making a significant investment.
GET YOUR FREE HOME SELLING BOOK
About the Author – Michelle Elliott
With over 20 years of experience navigating the fast-paced Silicon Valley market, I provide a strategic, results-driven approach to residential real estate. My career is built on a foundation of deep local expertise and a relentless commitment to my clients’ success, resulting in over $235 million in lifetime sales volume and a consistent ranking in the top 3% of agents in Santa Clara County and top 2% at Coldwell Banker. My expertise has been featured on KTVU Fox 2, Real Producers and the Willow Glen Resident. She is also the co-host of the San Jose Podcast “Say What You Want About Real Estate”
A Hyper-Local Expert with Global Reach
I specialize in San Jose, in the neighborhoods of Willow Glen (95125 & 95124) Cambrian Park and Almaden, Downtown San Jose/Japantown (95112) markets. As a certified Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, I combine high-end marketing strategies with granular neighborhood knowledge to help my clients achieve premium results.
The “Tiger” at the Negotiating Table
My clients have characterized me as a “tiger” at the negotiating table who remains “sweet and patient” with my clients throughout the process. I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my buyers and sellers, ensuring the best possible terms in every transaction, and I strive to be the best Realtor in 95125! This balance, drive, and tenacity have earned me consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp.
Michelle Elliott
Michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com
1712 Meridian Ave, Ste C, San Jose, CA
DRE 01777533
